Here's how Ben Franklin described the proper relationship between the people and their elected officials in government:
“In free governments, the rulers are the servants, and the people their superiors . . . For the former to return among the latter does not degrade, but promote them.”
In other words, We the People should have a higher place in society than our "rulers." Becoming a public servant shouldn't catapult a person to fame, riches, and... mansions in Martha's Vineyard.
It looks like former President Barack Obama hasn't read his Franklin. TMZ reported last week that the same man who said in 2010 that some people "have made enough money" just purchased a $15 million home in Martha's Vineyard.
Following lucrative book tours, Netflixs shows, and speaking engagements, the Obamas are living large. Their new 6,892 square foot home reportedly features seven bedrooms, eight and a half bathrooms, a pool, outdoor fireplace, chef's kitchen, and a balcony Jacuzzi. It has a private beachfront and, of course, a boathouse.
Photo: Realtor.com
There's nothing wrong with making enough money to afford a mansion. The free market gives every American the opportunity to work hard, be creative, and improve their lives and those of their families.
But the Founders never imagined that federal officials would be able to flip their years in the nation's capital into this kind of wealth. Public service is supposed to be just that -- a service. It isn't supposed to be a career, and it certainly isn't supposed to be a career that enables the purchasing of Martha's Vineyard mansions.
We won't fix this problem by electing "better" politicians to D.C. The allure of wealth is too great for any man or woman to resist. But we can limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government -- and thereby limit the influence and wealth our elected officials can accumulate.
An Article V Convention of States is called and controlled by the states and has the authority to propose constitutional amendments. These amendments can decentralize power away from Washington and spread that power among all 50 states. With such amendments in place, Washington will no longer have the same gravitational force that attracts the rich and powerful -- and our public servants will no longer be able to so easily latch onto the rich to become rich themselves.
Nothing will keep Washington swamp monsters from trying to use their position to get rich. But with a Convention of States, we can make it much more difficult for them to be successful.
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